The plan would be based on the Home Office’s current Youth Mobility Scheme, which is open to young people from Japan, Monaco and Taiwan.

“We can meet the needs of pubs and restaurants and maintain our links with young Europeans by allowing them to come for a strictly limited period of two years to work,” Lord Green told the newspaper.

Under the proposals migrants could work at any level but would not be entitled to benefits or housing.

The BHA has warned the government that the hospitality industry will need access to an EU workforce for 'years' after Brexit if it is to survive.

"We've indicated that this reliance should decline each year as more UK workers are recruited but with UK unemployment so low we will need to recruit EU nationals," said BHA chief executive Ufi Ibrahim.

"We have been encouraged by recent announcements recognising the industry's needs and look forward to working with the government to reach a sustainable solution."

However, the two-year visa plan received a mixed reaction on Twitter.

@fredsirieix1 No foreigner would come to UK to be a barista for 2 years then leave. We come for opportunities and to settle.